Marianna Brandt

Biographical info

Marianna Brandt was born in Cape Town in 1952 and grew up in Namibia. She studied in the Free State to become a medical technician. She worked in laboratories all over the country for about ten years. After her studies Marianna travelled overseas. Upon her return she worked at the SABC. She wrote about 50 stories for Siembamba, the children's radio programme. She subsequently worked for a TV company, writing scripts. These days Marianna offers courses for prospective authors of children’s books.

Marianna made her debut in 1985 with the children’s book Poppie-Dot van die Kaap. Her books are read in translation in many countries including Gambia, Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, Iceland, Swaziland and of course South Africa.

Die mieliestronkpop won an ATKV Children’s Book award in 2000 and in 2001 the English translation, The Mealie-Cob Doll, received a White Ravens nomination.

Did you know?

The children’s book Poppie-Dot van die Kaap (1985) was a radio story before it was reworked in book form.

In 1998 Marianna was one of five South African writers who participated in a programme, Shuttle 99 Project, held in Iceland. Each had to produce a children’s book and her Kria the Summerbird was published by an Icelandic publisher.

Markus Stermuis was shortlisted for the MER Prize for children’s and youth literature in 2004.